National Cup: Round 1 Review

Runaway champions Everton Belugas, who won all 16 of their league matches in 2023-23 and dropped only two sets in the process, beat Newcastle Staffs Ladies 25-11, 25-18, 25-15 in their first round tie at Litherland High School. 

Stockport Ladies, who finished runners-up to Everton last season also enjoyed a comfortable progression, seeing off the challenge of Manchester Marvels Mayhem 25-15, 25-10, 25-20. 

Cardiff Falcons were winners of Division Three North West last season, but found the trip across the River Severn a bridge too far against Division One side Bristol, with the hosts running out 25-15, 25-13, 22-25, 25-14 winners.  

Reigning Division Three North East champions, Leed Gorse 2, endured a disappointing start to their season as they were knocked out of the Cup by The Miners Doncaster Ladies, who recorded a 25-23, 25-20, 25-22 win in a keenly-contested clash. 

Inspired by a strong showing from new outside hitter Hena Esimek, London Onyx edged out South Coast visitors Worthing by a scoreline of 3-1. 

In the men’s competition, a terrific five-set thriller between Yorkshire rivals Barnsley and York Vikings swung one way then the other before the latter eventually clinched victory. 

The visitors took the opening set 25-21, but Barnsley hit back to take the second 27-25. 

The tie appeared as if it may be swinging in the hosts’ favour as they won the third 25-17, but the Vikings dug deep to level things up at two sets all, winning the fourth 25-23, before taking the decider 15-10. 

Exeter Storm did not drop a single set in claiming last season’s Division Three South West title and look as if they may be a force to be reckoned with again after a 25-20, 24-8, 25-19 triumph at Bristol. 

But there was disappointment for reigning Division Two North champions Tamworth Spartans as they bowed out, beaten 25-16, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18 in a highly-competitive match at home to Black Country Men 2. 

Teams who finished at opposite ends of the Division Three North table in 2022-23 met as Everton Dugongs hosted Manchester Marvels Marauders. 

And it was the visitors, who were unable to secure a league victory all last season, that got their campaign off to a flyer with a 25-18, 16-25, 25-16, 26-24 win following four well-contested sets. 

Kings of the Court Boston also triumphed, proving too strong for Wombourne after another tight match, as they came back from a set down to eventually prevail 24-26, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19. 

Click here for full results.